Is it true that Santa traditionally wears red because of Coca‑Cola?

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No. It's widely believed that today's Santa wears a red suit because that’s the colour associated with Coca‑Cola, but this isn’t the case.

Before the Coca‑Cola Santa was even created, St Nick had appeared in numerous illustrations and written descriptions wearing a scarlet coat. However, it is true that Coca‑Cola advertising played a big role in shaping the jolly character we know and love today.

Haddon Sundblom is most famous for creating the Santa Claus in Coca-Cola's annual Christmas calendar.

Prior to this, Santa had been portrayed in a variety of ways throughout history: tall and gaunt; short and elfin; distinguished and intellectual; even downright frightening.

Sundblom’s paintings for Coca‑Cola established Santa as a warm, happy character with human features such as rosy cheeks, a white beard, twinkling eyes and laughter lines. This grandfather-style Coca‑Cola Santa captivated the public and, as our adverts spread globally, the perception of the North Pole’s most-famous resident changed forever.